Golden State Warriors clinch playoff spot

The Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson (11) shoots as the Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio (9) falls to the floor in the second quarter of their NBA game played at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. (Dan Honda/Staff)

Tuesday's 105-89 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, coupled with Utah's home loss to Oklahoma City, clinched a postseason berth for Golden State for the first time in six years.

Though it's been expected, the feat had Warriors coach Mark Jackson in tears.

"There's no shame in my game," the second-year coach said. "I'm an emotional, sensitive guy. You live long enough, you learn to appreciate the process, the struggle and the accomplishments. I cry because I know what these guys put into it. I know what they mean to each other. I also cry because it could be somebody else in a suit and tie sitting in the big chair. I cry because God has blessed me once again."

At halftime of a close game, Jackson told his team Utah lost, meaning the Warriors were 24 minutes from locking up the playoff spot some thought they wouldn't get.

All they had to do was take care of the Timberwolves (29-48). After missing an opportunity to clinch Sunday, the Warriors seemed determined not to let the opportunity slip away again.

They dominated the third quarter, 31-16, getting 13 points from point guard Stephen Curry. Klay Thompson finished with 30 points, hitting six 3-pointers.

As the game turned into a rout, fans at Oracle Arena chanted "Playoffs! Playoffs!" in the final minute before giving the team a standing ovation.

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It's only the franchise's second playoff appearance since 1994. The Warriors' last playoff appearance was in 2007. Under the mantra "We Believe," they rallied for a late-season charge and clinched a spot in the final game of the season. They went on to beat top-seeded Dallas in the first round.

"We understand it's a small step, but it's a huge accomplishment for a lot of guys," Curry said after totaling 24 points and 10 assists in 39 minutes. "We heard what the '07 year was like. We want to experience that, for our fans as well. The veterans, they're going to sleep well tonight knowing they'll get to experience that."

Forward David Lee will be making his first appearance in eight seasons. Curry will make his debut in his fourth season. The only Warrior remaining from that 2007 squad is little-used center Andris Biedrins.

Of the top seven players in the rotation, the only players with postseason experience are starting center Andrew Bogut (once, his rookie season), backup guard Jarrett Jack (once, two years ago with New Orleans) and backup forward Carl Landry (three trips).

"It means everything," Lee said. "This was our team goal to start the season. This is what we came out here to do. We had an unbelievable home-court advantage all year that really helps us. We're just proud of our team, the organization and the fans."

Now, the Warriors turn their sights to clinching the No. 6 seed. The victory kept Golden State a game ahead of Houston, which also clinched a playoff berth with a win Tuesday.

Since Houston won the season series 3-1, the Warriors have to finish with a better record than the Rockets. Keeping the No. 6 seed would mean a first-round matchup against Denver, Memphis or the Los Angeles Clippers -- all vying for the No. 3 seed.

The No. 7 seed means an even more difficult first-round match up at Oklahoma City or San Antonio, separated by a half-game for the best record in the Western Conference.

"I told my guys," Jackson said, " 'Don't you dare go to the baggage claim because this is just the layover. This is not our final destination. Celebrate that we got here, but this is not our final destination.' "

Thursday's game

Oklahoma City (57-21) at Warriors (45-33), 7:30 p.m. TNT

Race for No. 6

The Warriors currently hold a slim lead for the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference standings.